Sam Farmer’s NFL picks for Week 2

The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 12-4 (.750). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 10-6 (.625).

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New England (1-0) at Buffalo (1-0)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Patriots 27, Bills 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Patriots by 1. O/U: 45.

This won’t be a breeze for Patriots, even after 10 days’ rest. They’re not loaded with offensive weapons, and Buffalo’s defense is smothering. Still, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick make one more play.

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Houston (0-1) at Carolina (1-0)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Texans 20, Panthers 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Panthers by 3. O/U: 40.

Carolina had its problems with Jacksonville, and Cam Newton now has to deal with J.J. Watt & Co. The Luke Kuechly concussion is a big setback for the Panthers’ defense.

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San Diego (1-0) at Cincinnati (1-0)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Bengals 24, Chargers 20

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Bengals by 3. O/U: 46 1/2.

The Bengals have more talent across the board, and they know how to win regular-season games. Coming back from way down took a lot out of the Chargers, who now have to travel across the country.

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Tennessee (1-0) at Cleveland (0-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Titans 17, Browns 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Titans by 1. O/U: 41 1/2.

Marcus Mariota isn’t going to torch Cleveland’s defense the way he did Tampa’s, but Johnny Manziel makes too many mistakes, like a golfer who follows one great hole with four double-bogeys.

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Arizona (1-0) at Chicago (0-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Cardinals 31, Bears 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Cardinals by 2. O/U: 45 1/2.

Drew Brees did a great job of getting the ball out against Arizona. Jay Cutler will take deep drops, won’t get it out as quickly, and the Bears won’t be able to run the way they ran on Green Bay.

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Detroit (0-1) at Minnesota (0-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Lions 27, Vikings 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Vikings by 3. O/U: 43.

Both feel urgency after losing openers. The Vikings are coming off a short week, and looked ultra-flat against the 49ers. The Lions have lots of ways to score, and are a bit better across the board.

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Tampa Bay (0-1) at New Orleans (0-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Saints 28, Buccaneers 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Saints by 10. O/U: 47.

The Saints lost final five games at the Superdome last season, and are not loaded with talent. Still, Jameis Winston played poorly in the opener, and Rob Ryan will send blitzes from everywhere.

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Atlanta (1-0) at NY Giants (0-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Giants 28, Falcons 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Giants by 2 1/2. O/U: 51.

The Giants are feeling the heat after blowing what should have been a win at Dallas. There are still questions about Atlanta’s offensive line, and the Giants should be able to get some pressure on Matt Ryan.

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San Francisco (1-0) at Pittsburgh (0-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Steelers 35, 49ers 14

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Steelers by 6. O/U: 45 1/2.

The Steelers are rested and the 49ers are not. Pittsburgh can score like crazy and, even though its defense is suspect, road-weary San Francisco will be hard pressed to match the Steelers point for point.

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St. Louis (1-0) at Washington (0-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Rams 17, Redskins 14

TV: None. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Rams by 3 1/2. O/U: 41.

The Redskins are a mess at quarterback and now they don’t have DeSean Jackson to stretch the field. The Seattle win was no fluke for the Rams, who have one of the best defensive lines in the game.

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Miami (1-0) at Jacksonville (0-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Dolphins 24, Jaguars 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Dolphins by 6. O/U: 41 1/2.

Miami should bounce back from a lackluster performance and show the reasons many see them as a contender for the AFC East title. The Jaguars are talented, but they’re also young and inexperienced.

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Batlimore (0-1) at Oakland (0-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Ravens 17, Raiders 14

TV: None. DirecTV: 716.

Line: Ravens by 6 1/2. O/U: 43.

The Ravens don’t have Terrell Suggs, and that hurts. But for the Raiders it’s just wince, baby. Derek Carr has a banged-up hand, and Charles Woodson has a dislocated shoulder. Baltimore is down, but should still win.

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Dallas (1-0) at Philadelphia (0-1)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Eagles 28, Cowboys 27

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 717.

Line: Eagles by 5. O/U: 55.

A lot of question marks on Philadelphia’s defense were not answered in Monday’s loss at Atlanta. That said, with Dez Bryant injured, the Cowboys face a tall task trying to win in Philly.

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Seattle (0-1) at Green Bay (1-0)

Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Seahawks 24, Packers 23

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Packers by 3¿1/2¿. O/U: 49.

The Seahawks tend to match up well against the Packers, and Marshawn Lynch should find some yards against a defense that was trampled by Matt Forte. Seattle should rebound after a demoralizing defeat at St. Louis.

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NY Jets (1-0) at Indianapolis (0-1)

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Colts 24, Jets 21

TV: ESPN.

Line: Colts by 7. O/U: 47.

Tough one for Colts, especially without the services of receiver T.Y. Hilton. The Jets have a tough defense, and they’re decent on offense with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm. Still, Colts hold on at home.